M.Sc.
General Studies in Communication & Media Studies
Offered at: Pilani
Empowering Communication in a Connected World
The M.Sc. in General Studies- Communication & Media Studies at BITS Pilani immerses students in the media landscapes of today’s society, where they engage in comprehensive learning about communication theory, digital media practices and communication regulatory framework. The multidisciplinary programme employs theoretical frameworks to prompt critical analysis of media systems, audience interaction and content creation against larger social, cultural and global parameters. We employ a diverse mix of facilitating modes, including seminars, inquiry-driven projects and a practical media lab, which allow students to engage with the changing communication landscapes. The curriculum, intended to meet rigorous ethical and quality standards, prepares graduates to perform well in media organisations, communication consultancies, digital platforms, regulatory bodies and international organisations.
Design a Degree That Works for You
At BITS Pilani, your academic path is not Linear. It allow you to customise your learning path
according to your aspirations, goals and interest.
The structure of degree programmes and academic regulations also provides certain other flexibilities like choice of electives, number of electives, repetition of courses, departure from normal pace, withdrawal from or substitution of course(s), etc.
Students interested in exploring courses beyond the scope of their curriculum can opt to audit them. This option is for casual learners who are not enrolled in a degree programme.Courses such as Foreign Languages and Music are offered in addition to the core degree programmes. Students may take these courses on an audit basis, subject to the payment of additional fees.
High-performing students may transfer to:
Higher Degree or Ph.D. programmes
Between Ph.D. and Higher Degree levels (based on academic standing). This flexibility supports seamless progression for research-driven students.
One of the most popular flexibilities offered by our educational structure is the dual degree scheme, under which students concurrently work towards completing two integrated first degrees within a reasonable timeframe. All students admitted to Group B programmes are also eligible to work under this scheme for one of the Group A programmes. Assignments to programmes are made based on individual performance during the first year.
In the assignment of dual degrees, first priority is given to students in Group B seeking a second degree under this scheme from among the programmes in Group A. After fully satisfying the known needs of the first priority, a second operation is done to consider the other priority, namely, students in any group seeking a second degree from amongst the programmes in another group. While it would be academically and procedurally acceptable for a student admitted to Group A or B programmes to seek a second degree in Group C in the dual degree scheme, the reverse process is not normally possible. However, a student admitted to Group C will be eligible to compete for a dual degree in any degree in Group C, or any degree in Group B or MMS, but only in Group A.
Practice School
The Original Experiential Learning Model
The Practice School Programme is a hallmark of BITS Pilani’s experiential learning approach. It provides students with an opportunity to practice what they have learnt in global organisations under the supervision of a mentor. Students work on cutting-edge technologies and have the option to practice in their discipline of study or cross-disciplinary areas. In addition to providing students with an opportunity to play roles that require multifunctional skills, this flagship programme also offers many students the chance to secure a PPO.
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Practice School-I
Practice School I is an eight-week course conducted during the summer term after the second year of study. Students are stationed in an organisation during this programme, and after a comprehensive orientation, students largely learn through observation and work on group projects, under the guidance and mentorship of industry experts and a faculty member from BITS. This not only serves as a first exposure for students to the corporate world but also helps nurture their personality traits, communication, and presentation skills.
Practice School-II
Practice School-II offered in the final year of study is a TWENTY-TWO-week full-time program. First-degree students in their final year of study can register for this program either during the first semester or the second semester, and Dual-Degree students can register for a double-semester PS-II program. For higher degree students, the course is titled Practice School, and such students can register for it in their final semester of study.
Practice School Process
Practice School I is an eight-week course conducted during the summer term after the second year of study. Students are stationed in an organisation during this programme, and after a comprehensive orientation, students largely learn through observation and work on group projects, under the guidance and mentorship of industry experts and a faculty member from BITS. This not only serves as a first exposure for students to the corporate world but also helps nurture their personality traits, communication, and presentation skills.
Programme Structure
Building essential grounding in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and introductory engineering concepts.
Courses :
- Biology Laboratory
- General Biology
- Chemistry Laboratory
- General Chemistry
- Mathematics I
- Physics Laboratory
- Mechanics, Oscillations and Waves
- Engineering Graphics
- Mathematics II
- Workshop Practice
- Computer Programming
- Electrical Sciences
- Technical Report Writing
- Probability and Statistics
- Thermodynamics
Focus: Strengthening communication skills, media fundamentals, and understanding of societal, economic, and managerial systems.
Courses :
- Mathematics III
- Humanities Electives
- Business Communication
- Language Lab Practice
- Introduction to Mass Communication
- Print & Audio Visual Advertising
- Environmental Studies
- Principles of Economics / MGTS
- Principles of Management
- Humanities Electives
- Reporting & Writing for Media
- Creative Writing
- Effective Public Speaking
Summer Term :
- Practice School I (for PS option only)
Focus: Developing advanced media content, communication techniques, and creative production skills.
- Open/Humanities Electives
- Mass Media Content & Design
- Critical Analysis of Literature & Cinema
- Computer Mediated Communication
- Short Film & Video Production
- Discipline Electives
Focus: Building domain depth through electives and completing professional training or thesis.
- Open Electives
- Discipline Electives
- Practice School II
- Thesis
Faculty Guiding the Next Generation of Environmental Engineers
A Amalin Prince
Professor,
Department of EEE
A Michael Alphonse
Associate Professor (Off Campus),
Department of Computer Science & Information Systems, BITS Pilani
A R Harikrishnan
Professor,
Department of Mechanical Engineering, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus